Johnnie Jackson assesses AFC Wimbledon’s striker quartet – with two opening their 2024-25 accounts in Colchester win

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says all four of his first-team strikers have the ability to line up alongside each other.

Summer signing Matty Stevens and last season’s Player of the Year Omar Bugiel started the first game of the season, with both getting themselves on the scoresheet.

Stevens, who joined from Forest Green on a free transfer in the summer, opened his account from the penalty spot in the 38th minute.

Bugiel – with 13 – returned his best goalscoring campaign in League Two last year under former Charlton boss Jackson.

He set up James Ball for Wimbledon’s first of the afternoon and also scored the fourth with a header after Alistair Smith hit the crossbar.

Josh Kelly and Joe Pigott, who re-joined on a season-long loan from Leyton Orient, came on with 15 minutes of normal time remaining and linked up well in order to see out the three points.

“They have to do the job for the team – which they did,” Jackson told the South London Press.

“As a manager, it’s nice to look around and see players such as that behind you.

“The lads I haven’t brought on today are really good players.

“We felt we have built a good squad – we have got options up there. 

“All four of them are capable of playing together. We went with Omar and Matty today – then brought Josh and Joe on.

“They can all partner each other. I felt the energy was just starting to drop a bit from the front two, who pressed brilliantly most of the day.

“To bring those fresh legs on and goal threats on as well [is great].”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD